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Orlando, FL – SEPTEMBER 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on September 9, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at The Field House. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Getty
Orlando, FL – SEPTEMBER 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on September 9, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at The Field House. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors have finally extended their stay at the bubble. After being 2-3 down, they were one game away from elimination. But they successfully kept their nerves under control as they beat the Boston Celtics in a double-overtime nail-biter.
As soon as the game ended, the Raptors and Celtics players were on the verge of a fight. Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart started arguing, but the potential fight was broken after other players and staff intervened.
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Celtics and Raptors players appeared to be jawing at each other after Game 6 ended. pic.twitter.com/Ad2xQmkp9a
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 10, 2020
Later Celtics star Jaylen Brown said it was nothing that anyone should worry about and that it’s just a part of the intensity.
“A lot of emotions,” Brown said. “It’s an intense series. Things like that tend to happen. A lot of testosterone. Nothing to worry about. You gotta be ready to fight. That’s a respectable organization, so I expect them to act orderly. Things seemed to get out of hand at times. Let’s keep it under control, let’s keep playing basketball.”
Asked Jaylen Brown about the postgame clash between the Celtics and raptors as they headed to the locker room.
Later expanded and added “…grown men should be able to control themselves….especially coaching staffs…” pic.twitter.com/wgonyxEO8p
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 10, 2020
Can the Boston Celtics avoid an embarrassment?
Tonight, the Celtics were let down by poor shooting from the team. Kemba Walker, who has usually been reliable, shot 2/11 and had just five points in over 50 minutes. Being the leader of the team, averaging one point every 10 minutes is unacceptable. Brown racked up the shots as he took 30 attempts but only converted 11.
The Celtics’ lack of depth has been an issue as they don’t have any firepower off the bench. This has been creating extra workload on the starters who are now showing signs of exhaustion.
The Celtics were 0.5 seconds away from being 3-0. But now they’re going to a Game 7, risking an exit in the Conference Semifinals for the 2nd year in a row. They started the postseason 6-0 and looked like they would easily make the Conference Finals. But now that goal is in jeopardy. It will certainly be an embarrassment for the Celtics to go out in this fashion.
